146 Golf WorldAugust 2017
TOP 50 COURSES IN WALES
heathland designed by James Braid
with undulating fairways routed
among gorse, heather and bracken.19 Wrexham NEW ENTRY
Wrexham, Clwyd. James Braid.
GW VERDICT The club was born in
the early 1900s but it wasn’t until
Braid laid out this fine parkland that
it had a permanent home. His work
has been altered down the years
but it remains of sufficient calibre to
debut in the top 20.18 Llandudno (Maesdu)
NEW ENTRY
Llandudno, Gwynedd. J Braid.
GW VERDICT Our highest new
entry is this undulating blend of
parkland and links, on the edge of
the Victorian resort of Llandudno.
‘Maesdu’ enjoys views across
Conwy Bay, from the Great Orme
Head to the mountains of
Snowdonia. Characterised by the
pristine condition of its subtly-
contoured greens.17 Machynys Peninsula
( 1)
Llanelli, Carmarthen’re. Nicklaus.
GW VERDICT A very popular
modern course that was well
designed near the River Loughor.
Welcomes a lot of footfall but is
well worth combining with a tour of
the area’s traditional courses.16 North Wales ( 2)
Llandudno, Gwynedd. H Hilton.
GW VERDICT Short, quirky, linksy –
what more do you want? We’ve
long championed this seaside
experience by Harold Hilton on the
West Shore in Llandudno.15 Pwllheli ( 2)
Pwllheli, Gwynedd. Tom Morris.
GW VERDICT If there were more
links holes than inland ones it would
be a few places higher, but still a
splendid course where the seaside
stretch around the turn is terrific.14 Abersoch ( 3)
Abersoch, Gwynedd. H Vardon.
GW VERDICT Holiday golf, yes, but
like Pwllheli this mix of links and
inland golf should not be dismissed.
Superbly entertaining and thus
warrants this significant rise.13 Nefyn & District ( 2)
Pwllheli, Gwynedd. Taylor/Braid
GW VERDICT A notable rise, back
up two spots for – probably along
with Old Head in Ireland – the most
spectacular location in GB&I. At26 Langland Bay ( 3 )
Swansea, W Glam. James Braid.
GW VERDICT Significant rise to the
cusp of the top 25 for a clifftop
course above the sands of Gower.
The views are predictably good but
so is the layout, as you’d expect
from a Braid original.25 R o l l s o f M o n m o u t h
( 2)
The Hendre, Monmouth. Unknown.
GW VERDICT This grand
experience maintains its top-25
slot. The course – split by a forested
hillside – sits in the estate once
owned by the Rolls family (of Royce
fame) and features Oaks, water
features and large rolling greens.24 Vale Resort
(Wales National) ( 2)
Hensol, Glamorgan. P Johnson.
GW VERDICT Opened in 2003, this
is a big-boned modern course
carved through mature woodland.
Host of the European Challenge,
Senior and EuroPro tours, it is
defended stoutly by large bunkers
and several water features. A
terrific all-round resort.23 Bull Bay ( 5)
Amlwch, Anglesey. Herbert Fowler.
GW VERDICT Herbert Fowler’s
entry to the ranking is an
undulating clifftop course on
Anglesey with holes routed through
valleys and between rocky
outcrops and gorse.22 Llandrindod Wells ( 2)
Llandrindod, Powys. H Vardon.
GW VERDICT A scenic course that
dates back to 1905, but has a bit
more than just nice views; super
turf and lots of nice architectural
features keep it in the top 25.21 Marriott St Pierre ( 2)
Chepstow, Monmouthshire.
Ross McMurray.
GW VERDICT Another fine resort in
Wales, with a course strong enough
to have been a long-time Tour
venue as well as hosting the
Solheim Cup. A tranquil parkland
experience with a lake in play, it
ends on a high with a do-or-die
short hole (in name) off the tips.20 Holyhead ( 1 )
Holyhead, Gwynedd. J Braid.
GW VERDICT Its location on the
beautiful Isle of Anglesey gives it
predictably splendid views towards
Snowdonia and over the port town
while the course is a super